UPFRONT May 15, 2006 Issue

Which side are you on?

MAIKE BYRD, CHILDREN'S EDITOR

I'm really not a very political person. My husband can attest to that. Sometimes he jokingly reminds me of a get-together with friends shortly after he first met me. The discussion turned political, and he noticed that, although I was listening intently to heated exchanges, I didn't say a thing. (I have to admit that nowadays I'm a bit more vocal, sometimes to his chagrin!)

Recently I've been intrigued by a story in the Old Testament that holds a lesson for anyone involved in politics—be it of the governmental, office, church, or even family sort. A spiritual leader of the community by the name of Balaam receives orders from the king to condemn people considered enemies of the state (see Num., chaps. 22-24). But he faces a dilemma. He doesn't agree with the position he's asked to take. What to do?

Balaam is used to listening to the word of God—and God commands him to bless, instead of curse. So he responds by declaring, "I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it" (23:20). The king continues to pressure Balaam, tempting him with honors and riches to make him comply with the request. Briefly Balaam starts to waver, but in the end he stays with his resolve to do what God wants him to do.

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